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State researchers could look at impact of childhood obesity

(Harrisburg) -- State researchers could tackle the impact of childhood obesity under a proposal in the state House.

The Joint State Government Commission is the commonwealth's primary non-partisan organization serving the General Assembly.

Lawmakers could ask it to put together a panel that would conduct a comprehensive examination of childhood obesity in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Seth Grove (R-York County) is sponsoring the resolution, which could lead to further action.

"Whether legislation comes of it is yet to be determined," Grove says. "To me, it's a broad-based look at what we can do better in Pennsylvania."

Rep. Gary Day (R-Lehigh County) says the resolution could provide guidance on what policies the state should pursue.

"Very often, there's a rush to judgment by an elected official or individual bodies," Day says. "This resolution will allow there to be a group of people to advance the ideas and thoughts of how it affects Pennsylvania."

Day says childhood obesity could have an impact on state spending in multiple programs.

The House Health Committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution.

The full House still needs to approve the measure before the Joint Commission can get to work.